Jonathon Gruenke/Kalamazoo GazetteCallie Balch of Portage will be competing as a contestant in Hometown Idol.

Age: 23.Hometown: Portage.Job: Retail manager.Why she entered: "I just absolutely love to sing. I do a lot of karaoke. ... I don't expect much from this. I would love to make it ... but I'm not going to be crushed and heartbroken if I don't. I'm doing it for the fun of it."Favorite performers: Listens to pop, but likes to sing country songs by people such as Martina McBride and Jo Dee Messina.Favorite "American Idol" contestant: Kelly Clarkson.Hyping herself: "I'm just an everyday hometown girl. I'm very down-to-earth, fun-loving. You're going to have an awesome time watching me sing and perform." Lived for a long time in Alabama, so "I've got a little Southern charm in me as well."Dream gig: Always wanted to sing the national anthem at a major-league baseball game.